KarenWoo

Diamantina, thank you so much for your very detailed response. I have to admit that I did not fully appreciate or understand the strength of the sun in NZ. Especially about the UV Index in NZ being 40% higher than in North America.

Tarakona and Kate, thank you also for your helpful advice!

Diamantina

KarenWoo, I'm going to quote that StatsNZ line exactly as I can hardly believe it myself. "New Zealand has naturally high UV levels compared with similar latitudes. For example, our peak UV levels can be 40 percent higher than peak UV levels in similar North American latitudes (McKenzie et al, 2006)." But, after having gotten scorched that summer day nearly two years ago, I can believe it--mind you, it was January or February, not November, when the sky is cloudier and the ozone layer is thicker. I'll quote Stats NZ again on this, "There is seasonal variation in the ozone layer over New Zealand. The ozone layer is thickest during spring and thinnest during autumn. Even though the ozone layer is thinner in autumn, UV transmission is highest in summer because in addition to the ozone layer thinning, the UV radiation has a shorter path through the ozone layer due to the sun being more directly overhead."

You're so prepared, you will be fine!

mlgb

On my last trip I was happy to have packed some lightweight flipflops. They are foam ones similar to the Crocs. I grew up wearing this style of sandal so my feet find them comfortable. I also grew up in warm wet weather. I would wear them at night or when it was raining, to give any other shoes and my feet a chance to air out. They were handy on the plane and weigh almost nothing. I wear my hiking boots (waterproof) on the plane to cut down on weight of suitcases but pack these in my carryon and switch to them on board. Oh, they also serve the normal sandal purpose if going to hot springs, pools or beach. (Definitely recommend a hot spring trip in NZ if you can). My second pair of regular shoes are usually a lightweight slip on, like the Skechers or Toms types.

I also recommend packing a folding umbrella that fits in the pocket of a rain jacket. It may not hold up in the wind but if you need to run to shelter it should keep you (mostly) dry for a few minutes. Although my luggage did get soaked at Auckland airport when I decided to walk between terminals. It was sunny when I started but half way there we got dumped on and there are breaks in the walkway shelter.

Another thing I'd add next time is a chamois (either real of fake). They soak up a lot of water. Also can be used it to protect camera gear when hiking if you can't get it into a dry bag quickly enough.

I like the DEET wipes as much as the spray. Always have one tucked in a pack or bag. SPF 50 lip balm (most of them are 15 SPF but there a few that are 50, Target Up and Up is good). Target also has the 1 ounce tubes of Neutrogena Beach Defense (SPF 70).Another one that is good to tuck into a bag. And sungloves (fingerless) are good. I just bought the Vikodah ones on Amazon, they are super lightweight and I think will do better in wet conditions than cotton gloves.

Note that these tips all relate to rain. LOL...

You may also want to bring along a COVID test and masks. That Flirt variant is out there at airports.

KarenWoo

mlgb, thank you so much for all of your helpful hints. We are planning on wearing masks on the plane since we have such long flights. Boston/SFO/Melbourne. Both my husband and I got Covid in July after we flew home from visiting our daughter and her family in Texas. So we aren't taking any chances. Don't want to end up with Covid when we arrive in Melbourne.

Wow. I've never worn sun gloves. Will have to look into this. And thanks for the tip about SPF 50 lip balm. I would have brought my regular lip balm.

I always pack flip flops to wear in hotel/motel rooms. Can you recommend hot springs in NZ? We will be at Mt. Cook/Aoraki, Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Franz Joseph, Punakaiki, Kaiteriteri, and Picton. I think the place we are staying at in Kaiteriteri has a spa and/or hot springs. Will have to double check that.

Tarakona

Karen - it will be a hot tub/spa pool. The closest thermal springs would be Maruia Hot Springs at 1513 State Highway 7, Lewis Pass, Nelson. Or there is Hanmer Springs out of Christchurch.
There is a big difference between pools that use natural geothermal water (always in a volcanic area) and ordinary hot pools (which use lovely clean water but it is heated by an external source). Search for 'natural geothermal mineral pools' for the authentic experience and most will be in the volcanic hot spot area of Rotorua/Tauranga. The famous Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown are the ordinary kind and over rated IMO!
I'm a big hot pool lover - for a low key but magical experience try Okoroire Hot Springs which are hidden in the bush and so natural they have a sandy bottom. In complete contrast but just as good is the Lost Spring complex in Whitianga - adults only, drinks served to you in the pools, spa and massage services and a restaurant as well. Unfortunately both of these are in the North Island.

northie

a hat is essential for sun protestion -school children have to wear hats in Mlebourne from October to May and we are not even the warmest place. The UV will start to climb soon. we get sun prtection and UV ratings daily once the 3 is reached..
Tenps in melbourne vary widly in October -\\\from summe rclothes to winter .Your packing sounds fine.

KarenWoo

Hi northie,
Thank you. This is very helpful!
I sent you a PM a few days ago about what night is best to meet for dinner along with my cell phone number. Did you see it?

mlgb

Tarakona has given a good run down on the (natural) hot springs that might have worked for you. There are more on the North Island and just a few easily accessible ones on the SI, they have mentioned those.

crellston

We enjoyed the hot springs at lake tekapo , close to Aoraki , where we have stayed a few times https://tekaposprings.co.nz/booking-hot-pools/

mlgb

While not geothermal or with all of the added minerals etc, those look nice, crellston.

My favorite was the one at Ngawaha Springs in Northland. At the old complex the geothermal water would bubble up into the parking lot. The refurbishment looks pretty nice without turning it tacky. Prices have gone up to about $20 USD equivalent. Can't recall what I paid on my visits 30 ish years ago but it was probably only a few USD equivalent (maybe 5 NZD). And there was only one price for tourists and locals. There is some interesting info about their pools on the website.

https://www.ngawha.nz/public-springs.html

Melnq8

While not natural, we really enjoyed the Franz Josef Hot Pools (aka Glacier Hot Pools). Unfortunately, I just googled and they're permanently closed. Bummer.

Hamner Springs is always a good option, but possibly not on your route.

mlgb

How did you escape being devoured by sandflies when you got out of the hot tubs, Melnq8?

I couldn't even go the bathroom without being tagged on the butt... at the Franz Josef Holiday Park.

West Coast blues....

Melnq8

mlgb - we were there in August...I don't remember the sandflies being an issue around the pools. It's been awhile though, so maybe I put them out of my mind.

KarenWoo

Thanks everyone for the hot springs recommendations. Will check out the ones at Lake Tekapo. Melnq8, the ones at Franz Joseph would have been perfect. Too bad they are closed.

mlgb

August may be the difference, I would usually travel April or December and not "winter". Although not exactly sure when summer is, having had snow/ sleet on Dec 1.

Diamantina

KarenWoo, about the NZ sandflies that might pester you in the regions you'll be visiting, particularly on the South Island's West Coast (and on the dock at Milford Sound). Actually a type of black fly (A. ungulatum is the species that most annoys), they feed during daylight hours (and the days are long in November) and are busiest around dawn and dusk and in humid, overcast conditions. While you can encounter them in many South Island destinations, the highly forested and damp West Coast offers ideal conditions. They are especially prevalent in damp bush, at the edge of a forest or other areas with trees near a stream, river or swamp (especially within 10 meters of running water), and on beaches (they also feed on penguins and fur seals). They breed in running water, and the eggs mostly hatch at dawn. Only the female feeds (they need the protein in our blood to make eggs). They make a little slash in skin, lap up blood, and release histamine and agglutinins. It's this chemical combination that can cause a reaction (itching, swelling, hives). An anti-histimine cream can relieve symptoms. Calamine lotion is also recommended. In my opinion, it's best to cover up as much as you comfortably can, and along these lines, they are said to be attracted to dark clothing, especially black and blue, then brown, purple, maroon and dark green, so while on the West Coast, you might want to wear lighter colors. This is because, while they are initially attracted to the carbon dioxide--and perhaps the sweat--we put out, they then become more directed by sight. This is also thought to be why they don't feed at night (but mosquitoes do--and they can bite during the day as well, but they are not considered as much of a nuisance as the sandflies). Neither NZ sandflies nor mosquitoes have been known to cause disease to humans.

NZ sandflies are slow, so you can try to outrun them. Or just keep moving. I've read they don't care for windy conditions, but, personally, have not found that to be true.
You can read more about them here and here. I read in one of these articles that one can become "desensitized" to sandfly bites--after 10,000 bites!

Alexjevan

Check out today’s weather updates at weather.com – perfect for staying on top of what’s happening across Australia and New Zealand!

magsrose

KarenWoo Good luck shopping and packing. You might remember I was in New Zealand the first and second week of November 2023. I only had one rainy day in Wellington and one rainy day from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Agree a winter puffy coat shouldn't be necessary. You can find great weather-resistant options from places like Eddie Bauer (my favorite), Costco, and even Old Navy. L.L. Bean would be great too, but I have never shopped there. I was glad to have my Sorel ankle boots for wet terrain. I was never cold during my trip, unless I was on water with wind or got wet from waterfall spray.

KarenWoo

Magsrose, thank you for your helpful information. I do remember your report from last year. The other day i did buy a very lightweight puffer jacket from Costco for $20. Couldn’t resist for $20, and it should fold up very compact.

I do have a waterproof windbreaker (Marmot) and a zippered fleece jacket from REI. So I am probably more than all set.

And I have waterproof hiking boots.

mlgb

I really don't think you will find the puffer jacket necessary, although they do make nice supplementary pillows on the plane.

I hope you have planned on getting your new COVID and flu shots with at least 3 weeks lead time?

I am so happy to be getting my COVID one today,